Equator and Segregation

by Brian W. Aldiss

An invasion of Earth was imminent - and only one man could prevent it!

A team of saboteurs had infiltrated the enemy territories, attempting to bring back to Earth a warning of the impending attack.

Death had reduced their number to two and fears of treachery divided them.

Finally, only one man could save the Earth. The secret of the hordes of death must be brought back.

But he could trust nobody - not even himself!

Cover illustration: Bruce Pennington

Genres: Science Fiction

127 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

Pseudonyms: Jael Cracken, Peter Pica, John Runciman, C.C. Shackleton, Arch Mendicant, & "Doc" Peristyle.

Brian Wilson Aldiss was one of the most important voices in science fiction writing today. He wrote his first novel while working as a bookseller in Oxford. Shortly afterwards he wrote his first work of science fiction and soon gained international recognition. Adored for his innovative literary techniques, evocative plots and irresistible characters, he became a Grand Master of Science Fiction in 1999.
Brian Aldiss died on August 19, 2017, just after celebrating his 92nd birthday with his family and closest friends.

Brian W. Aldiss Group on Good Reads

Reviews

[Neil Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic science fiction from a master. Brilliant.

[Callum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is divided between 2 stories, equator making up the bulk of it.

Also, I feel divided.. The science fiction side of these stories feels mostly like set dressing rather than carrying the plot. I think another reviewer mentioned the same thing. Some of the approaches or attitudes to certain topics seem steeped in the ideas of the time, which may come across to some contemporary readers as dated (it was first published in 1958). Also, while it is not anything special, I enjoyed the plot for the first story, but not so much for the second.

However there are some real positives. The world-building is good, especially in segregation, the 2nd story. Also, and I can't quite explain why, but I really enjoy the way Brian Aldiss writes. The dialogue is nice, but I think the prose is really colorful, gripping and brings his stories to life. I loved it and there is a real joy to it.

This is the first book I have read from Brian Aldiss, but I definitely want others in the future. I'm not sure, but maybe some of his later works have ironed out a few of the creases? This feels like an early attempt by an excellent author. Feel free to comment and give your opinion and/or recommend another book by Aldiss.

[The Bookseller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather a disappointment. If you were to take out the science fiction elements of this story, you would have a very bog-standard conspiracy thriller. There is nothing particularly different about this story apart from the inventiveness of the Rosks.

[Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pamphlets of Destiny: Brian Aldiss - Equator http://gnomeship.blogspot.com/2018/08...